James L. Hill Scholarship

As University President William Powers Jr. stated, “Dr. Hill’s work made an enduring impact on our university’s relationship with underrepresented populations and the local community. He strengthened our dedication to diversity, inclusion and cultural richness. He forged important and mutually beneficial partnerships with state leaders and key high level constituents which has helped the university to understand the needs and expectations of our neighbors and fellow citizens.

Appointed as the first African-American Vice President at The University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Hill provided exemplary leadership, supervision, and general management of the following offices and programs: Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, University Interscholastic League, Neighborhood Longhorns, Community and School Relations, University Outreach Programs, and Pre-college Youth Development. He participated in numerous community and University activities including the Task Force for Austin Major Employees (T-Fame), Martin Luther King, Jr. Statue Committee, Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition, Affirmative Action Working Group Committees, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum Foundation, Austin Entrepreneurial Project and UT Faculty and Deans’ Council. Dr. Hill retired from the University in January 2007, but still served as a Special Assistant to the President.

During his many years of service, Dr. Hill has received many awards, certificates and special recognition. A few of these distinguished honors include the Austin Area Urban League/Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award, Texas Alliance of Black School Educators Founding Member, Ex-Students’ Association Legacy Award, commendation for service as a member of the State Agency Coordinating Committee and recipient of the first Lifetime Achievement Award given by the Black Faculty and Staff Association, formerly the African American Staff Advocating Progress (AASAP).

Dr. Hill, who received his bachelor’s degree from Huston-Tillotson College in 1953, began his career in education as a high school counselor, mathematics teacher and band director with the Abilene Independent School District. He served as deputy commissioner with the Texas Education Agency and as director of the southwest field office for Educational Testing Services before becoming an Associate Vice President for Administration and Public Affairs in 1993 at The University of Texas at Austin. From June 2000 to January 2007, he served as Vice President for Community and School Relations. Dr. Hill passed away in September 2012.

To recognize Dr. Hill’s dedication and service to the University community and the Black Faculty and Staff Association, the Dr. James L. Hill Education Scholarship Fund was established on September 15, 2001. To ensure perpetual financial support of our undergraduate African American freshman for up to four years, in December 2007, the Dr. James L. Hill Scholarship Endowment Campaign was launched. Your contribution is crucial to meeting the minimum $25,000 requirement for establishing the endowment.

Whether your gift is $25 or $10,000, increasing private scholarship support – particularly endowments – will ensure that we continue to change lives of deserving young African Americans for generations to come. As a UT employee, you can give to the Hill Scholarship through payroll deduction.

STAFF DONATIONS VIA PAYROLL DEDUCTION: (view screenshot)
– Log on using your EID and password.
– On the right side of the page, scroll down to “Personal Info”
– click on the “Giving to UT” link
– Select the “Texas Exes” and then select the “James L. Hill Scholarship” from the drop down menus.
– Enter any special gift info
– Enter the amount and frequency of your donation
– Verify Contact Info
– Press “Complete My Gift” button